At George's request, private memorial gatherings will take place in Ishpeming and Green Bay. Those who wish to share comments, thoughts, and stories of George
with the family or make inquiries can e-mail them at georgeb.family@hotmail.com.

George Bengtson, 54, lost his courageous battle with cancer on February 28, 2008.

George grew up from a toddler terrified of the high school band to become one of the finest brass and keyboard players in the Ishpeming and Green Bay areas. He was in many local musical groups including the high school band, NMU Fantastics, Top Notch, Cooper Lake Road, the Dave Williams Trio, and most recently, Hudson-Granite. Unlike most keyboard players, his desire to dominate the sound mix did not detract from his band's overall performance. From 1967-71,

George was the lead soprano soloist in the Blue Notes, captivating the audience
not only with his musical performance but also with his aerial bugle-flipping
finale. George became an accomplished singer as well, despite his parents dime
reward each Sunday for not out-singing his peers in the Children's Choir. His
family will fondly remember his instrumental and vocal tribute to his father, Chester
Bengtson, who predeceased him last year.

George was born in Ishpeming, MI on May 24, 1953, graduated from Ishpeming High School, and attended NMU and UWGB. He lived primarily in the Ishpeming and Green Bay areas, where he spent his life living and working with that which he loved most: music, computers, nature, and his pets.

Celebrating his life are his beloved mother, Nina Bengtson (Eastwood Nursing Center, Negaunee); brother John (Three Lakes); sister Christine Hissong (Green Bay) and her daughters, Rachel (Lance) Carlson and their children Jasper and Kemaya, and Rebecca (Zak) Jones and their daughter Alaska; sister Kathleen Bengtson Tyler (Ishpeming), her son Andrew, her daughter Katie (Joe) Ellis and their daughter
Kaytlinn. George will fondly be remembered as "Uncle Crabby", his self-proclaimed and sometimes warranted name, to his nieces and nephews. Also commemorating his life are his aunts, Mary Doney, Ruth Numikoski, and Hia Bengtson, as well as numerous cousins, faithful friends, and those whose lives he touched with his music. His loyal canine companion, Otis, who also answered to "No, No, Bad Dog", will remember joyous times with George racing thru the woods, splashing in numerous lakes, and diving into freshly fallen snow.


In lieu of flowers, George would prefer you attend a musical event of your choice and experience the joy music brought to his life. Those wishing to make a contribution can donate to a charity of their choice or to the George Bengtson Memorial Fund (in care of Wells Fargo Bank, 700 US W.41, Ishpeming, MI 49849, attn: Pat Varda), which will be used to promote music for local youth with financial need.


In memory of George, do something he would do; enjoy a rustic trail by foot or mountain bike, walk the shore of Peshekee Beach and bathe in its private waters, enjoy the eagles over Lake Michigamme, spend a warm summer night smoking a premium cigar and sipping your favorite bourbon on the front porch, sauna with friends, venture out to find your favorite ale, vote Democratic in the upcoming election, and cleverly find a way to put a smile on everyone's faces.


Sincere thanks to George's hospital and nursing home staffs, and his many friends and relatives for their support and compassion during his intense journey, especially Kurt Gronvall, who faithfully visited and played guitar. Thanks to Bjork and Zhulkie Funeral Home for assisting the family.


Despite evidence to the contrary, at Marquette's Cabaret in April 1971, the proclamation that George was a fire-eater with the Johnston Iver-Stavinski Circus is, in fact, false.